In a repeat of Germany 2006, Cahill has scored a double to put Australia in front when he comes in at the far post from Carle's inswinging corner to stab the ball home.

77' Goal - Cahill

76' Shot - Carle - terrific shot turned around the post by Narazaki.

75' Narazaki out well to save just in front of Kennedy.

72' Offside - Cahill

Japan pressing a little more.

68' Japan sub - Matsui off - Kisho Yano on

65' Foul on Kennedy wide on left. Carle's cross finds Cahill free but he is pulled up for handball.

62' Shot - Tamada is mishit on the half volley and cleared up field.

Cahill climbs at back post to meet free kick from Vince Grella and he lobs his header over Narazaki and inside the far post.

59' Goal - Cahill

58' Shot - Okazaki shot after cutting in, saved easily by Schwarzer

56' Shot - Matsui tries a shot from 25 metres that goes well over the bar.

55' Shot - Sterjovski's glancing header at near post goes just over the bar from Culina's corner.

54' Corner - Aust

51' Shot - Neill - easily wide after Carle's ball into the middle is only partially stopped by Japan.

50' Free kick to Australia - 25 out after handball by Uchida.

49' Carle great skill on left which has the crowd cheering.

48' Shot - Sterjovski shot blocked

48' Corner to Aust - Culina cross is cleared.

Australia kick off the second half.

Second half is about to get underway

Half time - Japan leads 1-0 thanks to a powerful header by Marcus Tanaka and Australia for the first time in a long time find themselves down a goal. Mark Schwarzer's record of clean sheets is broken. Australia has it all to do in the second half.

46'+ Shot - Tamada - cleared brilliantly off the line by a retreating Lucas Neill.

The national anthems are being sung and we are just minutes from kick-off.

Over 70,000 fans are in attendance at the MCG for this big clash.

A draw or win by Australia will guarantee top spot on the Group A table, while a win by Japan will see them finish first.

Lucas Neill returns for his 50th A-International cap, along with Tim Cahill and Josh Kennedy. Rhys Williams makes his international debut at right back with Jade North coming in next to Neill in centre of defence. Shane Stefanutto is left back with Carney dropping to the bench. Nick Carle gets a rare start in Kewell's absence, with Kennedy playing the lone role up front in place of Scott McDonald.

Japan captain Nakazawa has failed to recover from the flu and is one of five changes from the team that drew 1-1 at home against Qatar. Also missing are stars Shunsuke Nakamura and Yasuhito Endo.

And if you can't watch the match LIVE on FOX SPORTS, you can get all the action with our Live Match Update right here. All the action and stats as it happens with kick-off at 8.20pm. Our coverage will commence at approximately 8.00pm with all the latest team news.